Nigeria’s Democracy has truly Matured – Buhari

……says he is eager to leave office

President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, noting that Nigeria’s democracy has truly matured.

President Buhari spoke on Tuesday at a farewell meeting with the outgoing United States ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard, at the State House in Abuja.

Speaking on the elections, the president said the conduct of the February 25 and March polls have shown that Nigerians have proved to be capable of choosing who leads them without anyone telling them what to do.

He said he was quite impressed with the passion for democracy exhibited by Nigerians which was reflected in the choices they made during the elections.

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“The people are realising their power. Given the chance of a free and fair vote, nobody can tell them what to do,” he said

“But I am unhappy that some candidates lost in the election. I am inspired by the fact that voters were able to make their own decision, to decide who won and who lost. With the currency change, there was no money to spread around but even then, I told voters to take the money and vote according to their consciences.”

President Buhari said he is eager to hand over power and get back to his love for farming and tending to his cattle back home in Daura, Katsina state.

I planned to be a “big landlord” back at home, working on my farms and tending to more than 300 animals. I am eager to go,” he said.

President Buhari said he was happy with his own role in the election process by staying above board, without meddlesomeness or any form of interference.

He lauded the outgoing ambassador for the enormous achievements recorded in Nigeria-US relations in the three-and-half years she had been here.

The American ambassador said she was impressed with the progress made in Nigeria-US relations in those three–and–a half years.

She cited the recent institution of a five-year visa regime between the two countries; active collaboration in security and the supply of military hardware including warplanes and the soon-to-come fighter helicopters; and also cooperation in the health sector to fight HIV and COVID response.